Radiological imaging device with improved functioning

ABSTRACT

A radiological imaging device that includes a source that emits radiation that passes through at least part of a patient, the radiation defining a central axis of propagation; and a receiving device that receives the radiation and is arranged on the opposite side of the patient with respect to the source. The receiving device includes a first detector to detect radiation when performing at least one of tomography and fluoroscopy, a second detector to detect radiation when performing at least one of radiography and tomography; and a movement apparatus arranged to displace the first and second detectors with respect to the source. The movement apparatus provides a first active configuration in which the radiation hits the first detector and a second active configuration in which the radiation hits the second detector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNos. 61/932,024, filed Jan. 27, 2014; 61/932,028, filed Jan. 27, 2014;61/932,034, filed Jan. 27, 2014; and 61/944,956, filed Feb. 26, 2014,the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field

Example aspects herein relate generally to obtaining radiologicalimages, and, more particularly, to a method, system, and apparatus forperforming fluoroscopy, tomography, and radiography.

2. Description of Related Art

Many conventional imaging devices comprise a bed on which the patientlies, a control station suitable to control the functioning of thedevice; a gantry, that is, a device having a cavity in which the portionto be analyzed is inserted and suitable to perform the radiologicalimaging of the patient.

Inside the gantry, the radiological imaging devices are provided with asource suitable to emit X-rays, and a detector, that is an elementsuitable to receive the X-rays after these have traversed the portion tobe analyzed. The type of detector utilized varies from one device toanother according to the type of radiological imaging procedureperformed by said device.

The prior art radiological imaging devices require a specific detectorfor each analysis (e.g., x-ray radiography, fluoroscopy, or computedtomography), which means each device can perform only one type ofanalysis. As a result, if a patient needs to undergo different analyses,the patient has to be moved from one device to another, which adds delayand risks to the patient's health. In the case in which a patient needsto undergo several analyses, the patient has to be taken from theradiological imaging device, placed on a bed so as to be moved, pickedup again and then placed on a second radiological imaging device.

Additionally, in order to perform different types of analyses to a highstandard, a medical center must be equipped with several radiologicalimaging devices, involving substantial outlays. In response, specificradiological devices have been developed in recent years that also useconventional flat panel sensors to perform two-dimensional radiographicimaging.

However, two-dimensional radiographic images obtained by conventionalflat panel sensors typically are of poor quality as a result ofdiffused, so-called parasitic radiation, formed by the interactionsbetween X-rays and matter, which hits the detector and spoils thequality of the image. Furthermore, owing to parasitic radiation, suchdevices may undesirably expose the patient and, in some cases, theoperator, to high doses of radiation. This can be a concern in the fieldof veterinary radiology, as human operators are frequently required tohold the patient in position when performing a radiographic examination,and are thus susceptible to being exposed to parasitic radiation.

In order to reduce the incidence of parasitic radiation, conventionalradiological imaging devices are often fitted with anti-diffusion gridscomposed of thin lead plates fixedly arranged parallel to each other soas to prevent the diffused rays from reaching the flat panel sensor.However, such grids are only partially effective in remedying theeffects of parasitic radiation on image quality. Moreover, the presenceof said anti-diffusion grids imposes the need to use a higher dose,thereby possibly increasing the danger of causing illness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Existing limitations associated with the foregoing, as well as otherlimitations, can be overcome by a method for operating a radiologicalimaging device, and by a system, apparatus, and computer program thatoperates in accordance with the method.

According to one example embodiment herein, a radiological imagingdevice comprises a source that emits radiation that passes through atleast part of a patient, the radiation defining a central axis ofpropagation; and a receiving device that receives the radiation and isarranged on the opposite side of the patient with respect to the source.The receiving device includes a first detector to detect radiation whenperforming at least one of tomography and fluoroscopy, and a seconddetector to detect radiation when performing at least one of radiographyand tomography. The radiological imaging device also comprises amovement apparatus arranged to displace the first and second detectorswith respect to the source, to provide a first active configuration inwhich the radiation hits the first detector and a second activeconfiguration in which the radiation hits the second detector.

In one example embodiment herein, the first detector comprises at leastone flat panel sensor and the second detector comprises at least onelinear sensor. In a further example embodiment herein, in the firstactive configuration, the distance between the first detector and thesource is substantially equal to the distance between the seconddetector and the source in the second active configuration.

In another example embodiment herein, the movement apparatus displacesthe first and second detectors with respect to the source by means of arotation about an axis of rotation. In a further example embodimentherein, the axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to thecentral axis of propagation.

In another example embodiment herein, the movement apparatus changesbetween the first and second active configuration by means of a mutualtranslation of the first and second detectors. In a further exampleembodiment herein, the movement apparatus comprises a first linearactuator to move the first detector along a first direction oftranslation and a second linear actuator to move the second detectoralong a second direction of translation. In yet another exampleembodiment herein, the first direction of translation is substantiallyperpendicular to the central axis of propagation and the seconddirection of translation is substantially parallel to the central axisof propagation.

In an example embodiment herein, the movement apparatus changes theactive configuration by means of a translation of the first detector anda rotation of the second detector.

In yet another example embodiment herein, the movement apparatuscomprises a carriage on which the first and second detectors are mountedsuch that the sensitive surfaces are substantially coplanar. In afurther example embodiment herein, the movement apparatus changesbetween the first and second active configurations by means of asimultaneous translation of the carriage along a trajectorysubstantially perpendicular to the central axis of propagation.

According to one example embodiment herein, a radiological imagingdevice comprises a source that emits radiation that passes through atleast part of a patient, the radiation defining a central axis ofpropagation. The device further comprises a receiving device, thatincludes at least one flat panel sensor that has a radiation sensitivesurface for receiving the radiation and is arranged on the opposite sideof the patient with respect to the source. The flat panel sensor isselectably operable in at least a flat panel mode and a linear sensormode. In a further example embodiment herein, in the flat panel mode,the sensor performs at least one of fluoroscopy and tomography, and, inthe linear sensor mode, performs at least one of radiography andtomography.

In some example embodiments herein, the radiological imaging devicefurther comprises a gantry defining an analysis zone in which the atleast part of the patient is placed; a bed suitable to support thepatient and defining an axis of extension; a translation mechanismadapted to translate the source and the receiving device in a directionof movement substantially perpendicular to the central axis ofpropagation; a rotation mechanism adapted to rotate the source and thereceiving device in relation to the axis of extension; at least onepositioning laser mounted on the gantry that projects a positioningguidance marker onto the patient; a control unit adapted to configure,based on received information, at least one of an energy of theradiation and a radiation filter arranged to absorb at least a portionof the radiation before the radiation passes through the at least partof the patient; and a diaphragm suitable to shape the radiation into atleast one of a cone beam or a fan beam.

Further features and advantages, as well as the structure and operationof various embodiments herein, are described in detail below withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics of the example embodiments herein are clearlyevident from the following detailed descriptions thereof, with referenceto the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a radiological imaging device according to an exampleembodiment herein.

FIG. 2 a illustrates a cross-section of the radiological imaging deviceof FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 b is a table showing predetermined relationships for configuringan X-ray source according to an example embodiment herein.

FIG. 2 c depicts a source subassembly of the imaging device of FIG. 1according to an example embodiment herein.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate alternate configurations of a detectorsubassembly of the radiological imaging device of FIG. 1 according to anexample embodiment herein.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate alternate configurations of a detectorsubassembly of the radiological imaging device of FIG. 1 according toanother example embodiment herein.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate alternate configurations of a detectorsubassembly of the radiological imaging device of FIG. 1 according toanother example embodiment herein.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate alternate configurations of a detectorsubassembly of the radiological imaging device of FIG. 1 according toanother example embodiment herein.

FIG. 7 a illustrates a matrix mode of a flat panel sensor subassembly ofthe imaging device of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment herein.

FIG. 7 b illustrates a linear sensor mode of a flat panel sensorsubassembly of the imaging device of FIG. 1 according to an exampleembodiment herein.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging procedure according to anexample embodiment herein.

FIG. 9 a illustrates a gantry subassembly, with a cut-away portion,according to an example embodiment of the radiological imaging device ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 9 b illustrates a perspective view of the gantry subassembly shownin FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer system of theradiological imaging system shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to said drawings, reference numeral 1 globally denotesthe radiological imaging device.

The device is useful in both the medical and veterinary spheres forperforming radiological imaging of at least one portion of the internalanatomy of a patient. In particular, the radiological imaging device 1is useful for performing two and three-dimensional scans and, moreprecisely, to selectively perform a radiography, a tomography (e.g.,computerized tomography), or a fluoroscopy.

The radiological imaging device 1 comprises a gantry 20 defining apreferred axis of extension 20 a and an analysis zone 20 b in which atleast part of the portion of the patient's body to be imaged is placed;and a control unit 30 appropriately placed in data transfer connectionwith the gantry 20 so as to control the operation thereof. In oneexample embodiment, the control unit 30 is mounted to the gantry 20 (asshown in FIGS. 1, 9 a, and 9 b), although in other examples it can behoused in a stand-alone unit (not shown) such as, for example, aworkstation cart, or may formed of multiple parts, such as a first partmounted to the gantry 20 and a second part housed in a stand-alone unit(not shown). These examples are merely illustrative in nature, and inother embodiments, the control unit 30 can be located at other positionsand locations besides those described above.

The gantry 20 constitutes a container within which the variouscomponents used to perform the radiological scan are housed (FIG. 2 a).It thus comprises a source 21 to emit radiation defining a central axisof propagation 21 a; a receiving apparatus 22 to receive the radiationemitted by the source 21; and a casing 23 at least partially containingthe source 21 and the receiving apparatus 22. Additionally, in a furtherexample embodiment herein, the gantry 20 further comprises a laserpositioning system that includes at least one horizontal laser 72 and atleast one vertical laser 74 (FIGS. 9 a and 9 b). The foregoingsubcomponents of the gantry 20 will now be described in turn.

The source 21 is suitable to emit, in a known manner, radiation capableof traversing the body of the patient, and interacting with the tissuesand fluids present inside the patient. In one example embodiment herein,the source 21 emits as ionizing radiation, and more particularly,X-rays.

In relation to the source, the device 1 comprises a collimator to focusthe radiation on the receiving device 22 and to vary the focus zone inorder to adjust it to the position of the receiving device 22, asdescribed more fully below.

FIG. 2 c depicts the source 21 of the radiological imaging device 1 ofFIG. 1, according to an example embodiment herein. As represented inFIG. 2 a and shown in FIG. 2 c, in one example embodiment herein, anX-ray filter 76 can optionally be positioned in front of the source 21and function to modify the energy distribution of the radiation emittedby the source 21 along the axis of propagation 21 a (e.g., by absorbinglow power X-rays) prior to the X-rays traversing the patient (althoughsource 21 also may be operated without an X-ray filter 76). The X-rayfilter 76 may comprise an aluminum and/or copper sheet (or any othermaterial suitable for the absorption of radiation) of predeterminedthickness.

In another example embodiment herein, a plurality of X-ray filters (notshown) are stored at different locations in the gantry 20, each of theplurality of X-ray filters differing from others of the filters in termsof at least one of a type of material (such as an aluminum and/or coppersheet) or thickness. The control unit 30 can cause a motorized mechanism(not shown) provided within the gantry 20 to retrieve a selected X-rayfilter (e.g., selected by control unit 30 in a manner to be describedfurther herein below) from storage and position the selected X-rayfilter in front of the source 21.

In a further example embodiment herein, the operator can operate controlunit 30 to input information, such as, for example and withoutlimitation, a type of the imaging procedure selected to be performed(e.g., fluoroscopy, tomography, or radiography), a type of patientspecies, the patient's weight, and/or tissue type to be imaged, andcause the control unit 30 to automatically configure the radiologicalimaging device 1 to use an optimal radiation dosage. In response, thecontrol unit 30 determines an X-ray emission energy from the source 21(X-ray emission energy being a function of parameters including X-raytube voltage, X-ray tube current, and exposure time) and/or a type ofX-ray filter 76 to employ, so that the radiological imaging device 1 canperform the selected imaging procedure with an X-ray dosage that is safefor the patient, as well as the operator, while maintaining optimalimage quality.

For example, the control unit 30 can perform the aforementioneddetermination of X-ray emission energy and/or select an X-ray filtertype based on predetermined relationships (e.g., defined in accordancewith look-up table(s), conditional statement algorithm(s), and/ormathematical formula(s) implemented on control unit 30, although theseexamples are not limiting) between the patient information, theradiological imaging procedure selected to be performed, the X-rayemission energy, and the materials and thicknesses of the X-ray filtersavailable in the plurality of X-ray filters located inside the gantry.Examples of such predetermined relationships are shown in the table ofFIG. 2 b.

As but one non-limiting example, if an operator specifies as input (byway of control unit 30) that high resolution tomography is to beperformed on hard tissues (e.g., a thorax region), the control unit 30determines, via a look up table, for example, that the aforementionedinput correlates to operating parameters for the source 21 of 100 kV and60 mA for 5 ms and an X-ray filter 76 of a type comprising a 3 mm thicksheet of aluminum together with a 0.2 mm thick sheet of copper (see FIG.2 b). As another example, if an operator specifies (by way of thecontrol unit 30) that high resolution tomography is to be performed onsoft tissues (e.g., an abdominal region), the control unit 30determines, via a look-up table, for example, that that input correlatesto operating parameters for the source 21 of 60 kV and 60 mA for 10 msand an X-ray filter 76 of a type comprising a 2 mm thick sheet ofaluminum (see FIG. 2 b).

In yet another example embodiment herein, the source 21 is selectablyconfigured (e.g., by control unit 30) to emit either a cone-shaped beamof radiation or a fan-shaped beam of radiation, by configuring the shapeof an adjustable diaphragm 78. The adjustable diaphragm 78, shown inFIG. 2 c, comprises at least two movable plates 78 a and 78 b capable ofsubstantially blocking radiation, the plates 78 a and 78 b being movableinto at least one of an open configuration or a slit configuration by amotorized mechanism (not shown) under operator control by way of controlunit 30. When the adjustable diaphragm 78 is configured in the openconfiguration, radiation from the source 21 is not blocked and emitsalong the axis of propagation 21 a in the shape of a cone. When theadjustable diaphragm 78 is configured as a slit, a portion of theradiation of the source 21 is blocked, and thus radiation emits alongthe axis of propagation 21 a in the shape of a fan (i.e., across-section of the cone-shaped radiation) oriented perpendicularly tothe direction of extension 20 a. Thus, in one example embodiment herein,an operator may configure the source 21 to emit either a cone-shapedbeam or a fan-shaped beam by virtue of the adjustable diaphragm 78, andperform different types of imaging with the radiological imaging device1, such as, for example, cone beam tomography or fan beam tomography,respectively.

The laser positioning system (including horizontal laser(s) 72 andvertical laser(s) 74 mounted in the gantry 20), when activated on thecontrol unit 30, projects visual markers onto the patient in order tofacilitate positioning of the patient on the bed 40, and moreparticularly, within the analysis zone 20 b. In particular, in oneexample embodiment herein, the laser positioning system is used inconjunction with an adjustable bed (serving as bed 40), according to oneor more of the example embodiments described in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 61/932,034 and 61/944,956, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties, as if set forth fully herein.Referring to FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, which illustrate a gantry 30 accordingto an example embodiment of the radiological imaging device illustratedin FIG. 1, the laser positioning system includes at least one horizontallaser 72, which projects horizontal visual markers 73 to aid theoperator in adjusting the height and inclination of the patient, and/orat least one vertical laser 74, which projects a top-down marker 75 toaid the operator in adjusting the lateral centering of the patient withrespect to the gantry 20. The operator adjusts the positioning of thepatient by observing the position of the patient with respect to theprojected laser markers 73 and 75, and thus with respect to the analysiszone 20 b, and then, for example, manually repositioning the patient onthe bed 40 or by adjusting controls on the aforementioned adjustable bed(not shown in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b) until the patient is deemed by theoperator to be in the correct position for imaging.

The receiving device 22 is arranged on the opposite side of the analysiszone 20 b and, in particular, of the patient, with respect to the source21, so as to detect radiation after it has traversed the portion of thepatient's body to be examined. In response to detecting radiation,receiving device 22 outputs corresponding data signals to the controlunit 30 at a particular frame rate, and the control unit 30, in turn,processes the data signals to acquire images.

The receiving device 22 can be operated in a selected one of a firstactive configuration suitable for performing tomography and fluoroscopyor a second active configuration suitable to perform at leastradiography, as will now be described. By virtue of the receiving device22 being operable in either a first active configuration or a secondactive configuration, an operator can perform tomography, fluoroscopy,and radiography in the same radiological imaging device 1. Variousexample embodiments of the receiving device 22 are illustrated in FIGS.3 a-7 b. The example embodiments of the receiving device 22 will now bediscussed in turn.

In one example embodiment of the receiving device 22 herein, thereceiving device 22 comprises at least a first detector 24 toselectively perform tomography or fluoroscopy and defining a firstsensitive surface 24 a to detect the radiation; at least a seconddetector 25 to perform radiography and defining a second sensitivesurface 25 a to detect the radiation; and a movement apparatus 26 tomove the first detector 24 and the second detector 25 with respect tothe source 21 so as to configure the receiving device 22 into the firstor second active configurations.

In further example embodiments herein, the first detector 24 comprises aflat panel sensor 24 b (FIGS. 3 a-6 b), while the second detector 25comprises at least one linear sensor (e.g., linear sensor 25 billustrated in FIG. 6 b), in particular, two linear sensors 25 b and 25c arranged side by side and, more in particular, two linear sensors 25 band 25 c together defining a second sensitive surface 25 a that aresubstantially coplanar (e.g., FIGS. 3 a-5 b). The linear sensor(s) 25 band 25 c can have a frame rate in the range of approximately 50 framesper second to approximately 300 frames per second, in one example.

In some cases, the receiving device 22 may be provided with a thirddetector, not illustrated in the drawings, which, in one exampleembodiment herein, comprises a direct photonic counting sensor.

The movement apparatus 26 is suitable to move the detectors 24 and 25with respect to the source 21 into the first active configuration (FIGS.3 a, 4 a, 5 a and 6 a) in which only the first detector 24 is able toreceive the radiation emitted by the source 21 and into the secondactive configuration (FIGS. 3 b, 4 b, 5 b and 6 b) in which only thesecond detector 25 is able to receive said radiation.

In detail, the movement apparatus 26 moves the detectors 24 and 25 insuch a way that, in their respective active configurations, thesensitive surfaces 24 a and 25 a are substantially perpendicular to thecentral axis 21 a and the distances from the detectors 24 and 25 (moreprecisely, the surfaces 24 a and 25 a) to the source 21 aresubstantially the same. The operation of the movement apparatus 26 withrespect to the example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 a-6 b will bedescribed further herein below.

Furthermore, in the case in which the receiving device 22 envisages saidthird detector, the movement apparatus 26 moves the three detectors, inthe same way as described below, to define a third active configurationin which the third detector is the only one able to receive theradiation emitted by the source 21; in which the sensitive surface ofsaid third detector is substantially perpendicular to the central axisof propagation 21 a; and in which the distance of the source 21 from thethird detector and, more precisely, from its sensitive surface, is equalto that defined by said source 21 and by the other surfaces 24 a and 25a in their respective active configurations.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate one example embodiment of the receivingdevice 22 in which a flat panel sensor 24 b is employed as a firstdetector 24 and two linear sensors 25 b and 25 c are employed as asecond detector 25. As shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the movementapparatus 26 comprises a load-bearing body 26 a to support the detectors24 and 25 and a motor 26 b, such as an electric motor, to rotate thedetectors 24 and 25 along an axis of rotation 26 c. The rotation may besubstantially perpendicular to the central axis of propagation 21 a and,more particularly, substantially parallel to or perpendicular to thepreferred axis 20 a.

In a further example embodiment herein, the amplitude of rotation of thedetectors 24 and 25 is substantially equal to 90° or 180° so that, inthe first active configuration (FIG. 3 a), the first surface 24 a issubstantially perpendicular to the central axis of propagation 21 a andthe second surface 24 a is substantially parallel to the axis 21 a;whereas, in the second active configuration (FIG. 3 b), the firstsurface 24 a is substantially parallel to the central axis ofpropagation 21 a and the second 26 a is substantially perpendicular tothe axis 21 a.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the movement apparatus 26may be provided with an additional linear actuator 26 d to move thefirst detector 24 along a direction of analysis substantiallyperpendicular to the central axis 21 a and, in particular, substantiallyperpendicular to the direction 20 a and, more particularly,substantially parallel to the axis 26 c.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate a variation of the example embodiment ofthe receiving device 22 in which a flat panel sensor 24 b is employed asa first detector 24 and two linear sensors 25 b and 25 c are employed asa second detector 25. As shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the apparatus 26 isuseful for changing the active configuration by mutually translating thedetectors 24 and 25.

In that case, the movement apparatus 26 comprises a first linearactuator 26 e to move the first detector 24 along a first direction oftranslation 26 f and a second linear actuator 26 g to move the seconddetector 25 along a second direction of translation 26 h. In an exampleembodiment herein, the directions of translation 26 f and 26 h aresubstantially perpendicular to the direction 20 a. In another exampleembodiment herein, the first direction 26 f is substantiallyperpendicular to the central axis of propagation 21 a and the seconddirection 26 h is substantially parallel to the central axis ofpropagation 21 a.

As an alternative to the second actuator 26 g, the movement apparatus 26may be provided with a lever mechanism or other kinematic mechanism,which, appropriately activated by the first linear actuator 26 e, movesthe second detector 25 along the second direction 26 h.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate another variation of the example embodimentof the receiving device 22 in which example a flat panel sensor 24 b isemployed as a first detector 24 and two linear sensors 25 b and 25 c areemployed as a second detector 25. As shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, theapparatus 26 is provided with an additional rotational actuator 26 i torotate, for example by 90° or by 180°, the second detector 25 so that,when the first linear actuator 26 e has moved the first detector 24away, said second detector 25 substantially occupies the space left freeby the translation along the first direction 26 f of the first sensor24. In particular, the additional rotational actuator 26 i may rotatethe second detector 25 with respect to an additional axis of rotation261, such as parallel to the first direction of translation 26 f.

In this case, in the first active configuration (FIG. 5 a), the firstdetector 24 substantially overlaps the second detector 25 so that onlythe first detector 24 receives the radiation. In the second activeconfiguration (FIG. 5 b), the detectors 24 and 25 are arranged side byside and placed so that the second sensitive surface 25 a is the onlyone to be hit by the radiation and is substantially coplanar with thefirst sensitive surface 24 a.

Additionally, the first actuator 26 e may move the first detector 24 toone or more intermediate positions between those assumed by said firstdetector 24 in said first and second active configurations.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate still another example embodiment of thereceiving device 22 in which example a flat panel sensor 24 b isemployed as a first detector 24 and at least one linear sensor 25 b isemployed as a second detector 25. As shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, themovement apparatus 26 comprises a carriage 26 m on which both of thedetectors 24 and 25 are mounted such that the sensitive surfaces 24 aand 25 a are substantially coplanar and, in a further example embodimentherein, substantially perpendicular to the central axis 21 a.

In this example embodiment, the movement apparatus 26, in order tomodify the active configuration of the receiving device 22, provides, inaddition to the carriage 26 m, a linear mover 26 n (for example a linearactuator) to move the carriage 26 m and, therefore, simultaneously movethe detectors 24 and 25 along an additional trajectory 26 o that issubstantially perpendicular to the central axis of propagation 21 a. Inanother example embodiment herein, the trajectory 26 o is substantiallyperpendicular to the central axis of propagation 21 a and the preferredaxis of extension 20 a so as to keep the sensitive surfaces 24 a and 25a always for substantially perpendicular to the central axis 21 a.

In detail, the linear mover 26 n is adapted to move the carriage 26 mdefining a plurality of second active configurations allowing thedetectors 24 and 25 to perform a series of radiological imaging aboutadjacent portions and, therefore, allowing the device 1 to executeimaging of portions that are larger than the sensitive surfaces 24 a and25 a.

Another example embodiment of the detector 22 will now be described. Inthis embodiment, the detector 22 comprises at least one flat panelsensor 32 f (as shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b), that includes an array ofpixels and is capable of operating in multiple independent read-outmodes, selectable by control unit 30, including at least a matrix mode(FIG. 7 a) and a linear sensor mode (FIG. 7 b). In this exampleembodiment of the receiving device 22, operating the flat panel sensor32 f in the matrix mode is referred to as the first active configurationof the receiving device 22, and operating the flat panel sensor 32 f inthe linear sensor mode is referred to as the second active configurationof the receiving device 22.

In the first active configuration (the matrix mode), the flat panelsensor 32 f outputs, to control unit 30, signals corresponding toradiation detected by pixels in a region of sensitive surface 32 g (FIG.7 a). In one example embodiment herein, the sensitive surface 32 g issubstantially coextensive with the entire array of pixels of the flatpanel sensor 32 f. The flat panel sensor mode is suitable for performingat least tomography and fluoroscopy.

In the second active configuration (linear sensor mode), the flat panelsensor 32 f outputs, to control unit 30, signals corresponding toradiation detected by the subset of pixels in a region of sensitivesurface 32 h (FIG. 7 b). The sensitive surface 32 h functionseffectively as a linear sensor (e.g., in a manner similar to linearsensors 25 b and 25 c); that is, in one example, the sensitive surface32 h has a frame rate in the range of approximately 50 frames per secondto approximately 300 frames per second and has a width that issubstantially greater than its length, its length being defined in adirection substantially parallel to direction 20 a and its width beingdefined substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement 20 aand the central axis of propagation 21 a.

In one example embodiment herein, the second active configuration of theflat panel sensor 32 f is useful for performing fan beam tomography. Asdescribed above (with reference to FIG. 2 c), fan beam tomography can beperformed by shaping the radiation emitted by the source 21 into afan-shaped beam using, for example, diaphragm 78. However, by virtue ofthe ability of flat panel sensor 32 f to operate a selected one ofmultiple modes (selectable by control unit 30), it is possible to switchfrom fan beam imaging to cone beam imaging without physicallyinterchanging any components of the radiological imaging device 1 andwithout altering the operation of source 21, by selecting (via controlunit 30, for example) a portion (i.e., a subset) of the flat panelsensor 32 f as a radiation sensitive surface. That is, for a cone-shapedbeam of radiation, operating the flat panel sensor 32 f in the linearsensor mode will provide the sensitive surface 32 h that is effectivelysensitive only to a fan-shaped cross-section of the cone-shaped beam ofradiation. Accordingly, when the source 21 emits a cone-shaped beam ofradiation, cone beam tomography can be performed by selecting viacontrol unit 30, for example, the matrix mode of flat panel sensor 32 f,and fan beam tomography can be performed by selecting via control unit30, for example, the linear sensor mode of flat panel sensor 32 f.

The pixel array size of sensitive surfaces 32 g and 32 h can bepredefined for the flat panel sensor 32 f in hardware, firmware,software, or other means by which the flat panel sensor 32 f may becontrolled.

In particular, in one example embodiment herein, the flat panel sensor32 f may be a Hamamatsu model C11701DK-40 flat panel sensor, which canoperate in a matrix mode that provides a sensitive surface 32 g, havinga 1096×888 array of pixels or a 2192×1776 array of pixels, and can alsoseparately operate in a linear sensor mode that provides a sensitivesurface 32 h, having a 1816×60 array of pixels.

Additionally, the flat panel sensor 32 f can be mounted on a panelmotion system 35 that includes guides 34 and a motorized translationmechanism 36 (FIGS. 7 a and 7 b). The panel motion system 35 is suitablefor moving the flat panel sensor 32 f along an axis 38, which issubstantially perpendicular to both the gantry direction of movement 20a and the central axis of propagation 21 a. In particular, the axis 38is also parallel to the width of the sensitive surface 32 h when theflat panel sensor 32 f is operating in the linear sensor mode.

In addition to the foregoing components, the gantry 20 is provided witha rotation mechanism 27 to rotate the source 21 and the receiving device22 together, the rotation being substantially around the preferred axisof extension 20 a so as to allow the radiological imaging device 1 toperform scanning around 360° of the portion of the patient that has beenplaced in the analysis zone 20 b (FIG. 2 a).

In one example embodiment herein, the rotation mechanism 27 comprises arotor 27 a, such as a permanent magnet rotor, to which the source 21 andthe receiving device 22 are connected, and a stator 27 b, integrallyconnected to the casing 24, to emit a magnetic field controlling therotation of the rotor 27 a about the preferred axis of extension 20 a.Operation of the rotation mechanism 27 can be controlled by the controlunit 30.

The imaging device 1 may comprise a bed 40 to support the patientpartially inserted in the analysis zone 20 b and a load-bearingstructure 50 to hold the gantry 20 and the bed 40 in the correctposition (FIG. 1). In particular, the load-bearing structure 50comprises a base 51; at least one column 52, more particularly twocolumns, to support the bed 40; and a translation mechanism 53. Thetranslation mechanism 53 comprises a linear guide 54, positioned betweenthe gantry 20 and the load-bearing structure 50, and a carriage 55,suitable to slide along the linear guide 54. In an example embodimentherein, the linear guide 54 may be a motorized linear guide or, morespecifically, an electric motorized linear guide. Accordingly, thetranslation mechanism 53 is suitable to move the gantry 20 with respectto the base 51 along the preferred axis of extension 20 a, so as topermit the radiological imaging device 1 to perform radiological imagingover practically the entire length of the bed 40. Additionally, thetranslation of the gantry 20 by the translation mechanism 50 can becontrolled by the control unit 30.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system 80. In oneexample embodiment herein, at least some components of the computersystem 80 can form or be included in the aforementioned control unit 30,and computer system 80 is electrically connected to other components ofthe radiological imaging device 1 (such as, for example, the source 21,the receiving device 22, the gantry 20, and any subcomponents thereof)by way of communications interface 98 (mentioned below). The computersystem 80 includes at least one computer processor 82 (also referred toas a “controller”). The computer processor 82 may include, for example,a central processing unit, a multiple processing unit, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a field programmablegate array (“FPGA”), or the like. The processor 82 is connected to acommunication infrastructure 84 (e.g., a communications bus, across-over bar device, or a network). Although various embodiments aredescribed herein in terms of this exemplary computer system 80, afterreading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled inthe relevant art(s) how to implement the invention using other computersystems and/or architectures.

The computer system 80 may also include a display unit 86 for displayingvideo graphics, text, and other data provided from the communicationinfrastructure 84. In one example embodiment herein, the display unit 86can form or be included in the control unit 30.

The computer system 80 also includes an input unit 88 that can be usedby the operator to send information to the computer processor 82. Forexample, the input unit 88 can include a keyboard device and/or a mousedevice or other input device(s). In one example, the display unit 86,the input unit 88, and the computer processor 82 can collectively form auser interface.

In an example embodiment that includes a touch screen, for example, theinput unit 88 and the display unit 86 can be combined. In such anembodiment, an operator touching the display unit 86 can causecorresponding signals to be sent from the display unit 86 to a processorsuch as processor 82, for example.

In addition, the computer system 80 includes a main memory 90, whichpreferably is a random access memory (“RAM”), and also may include asecondary memory 92. The secondary memory 92 can include, for example, ahard disk drive 94 and/or a removable storage drive 96 (e.g., a floppydisk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memorydrive, and the like) capable of reading from and writing to acorresponding removable storage medium, in a known manner. The removablestorage medium can be a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring computer-executable software instructions and/or data.

The computer system 80 also can include a communications interface 98(such as, for example, a modem, a network interface (e.g., an Ethernetcard), a communications port (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) portor a FireWire® port), and the like) that enables software and data to betransferred between the computer system 80 and external devices. Forexample, the communications interface 98 may be used to transfersoftware or data between the computer system 80 and a remote server orcloud-based storage (not shown). Additionally, the communicationinterface 98 may be used to transfer data and commands between thecomputer system 80 (serving as control unit 30) to other components ofthe radiological imaging device 1 (such as, for example, the source 21,the receiving device 22, the gantry 20, and any subcomponents thereof).

One or more computer programs (also referred to as computer controllogic) are stored in the main memory 90 and/or the secondary memory 92(i.e., the removable-storage drive 96 and/or the hard disk drive 94).The computer programs also can be loaded into the computer system 80 viathe communications interface 98. The computer programs includecomputer-executable instructions which, when executed by thecontroller/computer processor 82, cause the computer system 80 toperform the procedures described herein and shown in at least FIG. 8,for example. Accordingly, the computer programs can control the controlunit 30 and other components (e.g., the source 21, the receiving device22, the gantry 20, and any subcomponents thereof) of the radiologicalimaging device 1.

Example embodiments of a method for using a radiological imaging device1 (described above in a structural sense) will now be further described.Generally, example embodiments of the method include a novel andinnovative radiological imaging procedure primarily comprising apositioning phase in which the operator arranges the patient on the bed40; at least one preparatory phase in which the operator prepares thepatient for the radiological imaging procedure; at least one controlphase in which a check is performed to verify the correct condition ofthe patient; and an analysis phase in which at least one radiologicalimaging procedure is performed.

In particular, the preparatory phase and the control phase, and inanother example embodiment herein, also the analysis phase, areperformed while keeping the patient substantially still (i.e., withoutmoving the patient) with respect to the radiological imaging device 1,more precisely, keeping the patient substantially still with respect tothe gantry 20 and, yet more precisely, keeping the patient on the bed 40and partially placed in the analysis zone 20 b. More in particular, saidphases are performed, as described below, so as to involve, at the verymost, small movements of the patient without altering the positionthereof with respect to the device and, in particular, to the gantry 20.

An example embodiment of the foregoing method of using the radiologicalimaging device 1 will now be described further in detail, with referenceto FIG. 8. The process starts in Step S802.

In an initial phase at Step S804, after laying the patient on the bed40, the operator uses the control unit 30 to place the gantry 20 in aworking configuration and to translate the gantry 20 along the axis 20 ato the zone to be examined. The operator also uses the control unit 30to select the inclination of the central axis of propagation 21 a withrespect to the bed.

In one example embodiment herein, the operator activates the laserpositioning system during Step S804 (comprising lasers 72 and 74, asshown in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b), which projects horizontal visual markers 73to assist the operator in adjusting the height and inclination of thepatient with respect to the gantry 20, and/or projects a top-down marker75 to assist the operator in laterally adjusting the patient withrespect to the gantry 20.

Additionally in Step S804, the operator also may operate the controlunit 30 to input patient information (e.g., species, weight, and/ortissue type to be imaged), and may further command the control unit 30to automatically configure the radiological imaging device 1 to selectan appropriate radiation dose based on the patient information and theimaging procedure to be performed, in the above described manner.Accordingly, in some of the steps that follow (in particular, Steps S808and S812), the control unit 30 may configure, in the manner describedabove, the X-ray source 21 and the X-ray filter 76 so as to be preparedto provide an appropriate radiation dose based on the patientinformation and the imaging procedure to be performed in that step.

In Step S805, the operator selects (e.g., via control unit 30) the testradiological imaging procedure to be performed in the subsequent controlphase, such as tomography, fluoroscopy, or radiography (preferablyfluoroscopy). In response to the selection of the test radiologicalimaging procedure, the receiving device 22 is configured by control unit30 into the first or second active configuration accordingly, in themanner described above.

In particular, in response to a fluoroscopy procedure being selected,and in embodiments in which the receiving device 22 includes a firstdetector 24, a second detector 25, and a movement apparatus 26(illustrated in FIGS. 3 a-6 b), the control unit 30 sends a command tothe movement apparatus 26 to move the sensors 24 and 25 with respect tothe source 21 so as arrange them in the first active configuration, thatis to say, so that only the first sensitive surface 24 a can be hit bythe radiation emitted by the source 21.

In the example embodiment in which the receiving device 22 employs aflat panel sensor 32 f capable of selectably operating in one of amatrix mode and a linear sensor mode (FIGS. 7 a and 7 b), Step S805 isperformed by the control unit 30 responding to the operator selectingthe fluoroscopy procedure by controlling the flat panel sensor 32 f tooperate it in the first active configuration (the matrix mode), that is,the flat panel sensor 32 f utilizes a two-dimensional sensitive surface32 g to detect radiation emitted by the source 21.

Next, in a preparatory phase at Step S806, the operator, with thepatient on the bed 40, prepares the patient for the radiological imagingprocedure by injecting a contrast liquid and/or placing the portion tobe examined in the correct position and/or at the correct angle (e.g.,superimposing the shoulder joint on the trachea).

Practically simultaneously (although not necessarily), the control phasecommences at Step S808 in which the operator, using the radiologicalimaging device 1, generates images by running the test radiologicalimaging procedure selected in Step S805, such as fluoroscopy (in oneexample), and visually verifies the correct condition of the patient byway of those images, that is to say, to verify that the preparatoryphase of Step S806 was performed correctly.

In particular, in the case where a contrast liquid was injected in StepS806, in Step S808, the operator monitors the progress of the contrastliquid by way of images acquired by the test radiological imagingprocedure, i.e., fluoroscopy in particular, to determine (in block S810)whether or not the contrast liquid has reached the analysis zone and,thus, whether the next imaging procedure should be performed. Inparticular, if the contrast liquid has not yet reached the analysis zone(“No” in block S810), the operator continues to monitor (in Step S808)the progress of the contrast liquid until it reaches the desired zone,thus indicating (i.e. “Yes” in block S810) that the preparatory phasewas performed correctly and that the procedure may proceed to theanalysis phase at Step S812.

Alternatively, if the portion to be examined needs to be in a certainposition or at a given angle, in Step S808, the operator checks whetherthat portion of the patient is positioned correctly based on imagesgenerated by the test radiological imaging procedure (i.e., fluoroscopyor radiography). In detail, if it is determined at block S810 that theportion of the patient to be imaged is not in the desired position, theoperator may perform the preparatory phase at Step S806 again to adjustthe position or angle of the patient and, substantially simultaneously,the operator may perform a new control phase at Step S808 to verify,instant by instant, whether the new position in which the patient hasjust been placed is the desired position.

When it has been verified at block S810 (based on the test radiologicalimaging performed in the control phase at Step S808) that the conditionsare optimal or most suitable for the next phase to start (“Yes” at blockS810), the analysis phase starts at Step S812.

In Step S812, the operator uses the control unit 30 to select an imagingprocedure to be performed in the analysis phase, and in response, thecontrol unit 30 places the radiological imaging device 1, and inparticular, the receiving device 22, in the desired configuration (e.g.,the first active configuration if tomography or fluoroscopy are selectedor the second active configuration if radiography is selected).Thereafter, the operator performs the desired analysis phase imagingprocedure.

For example, in the analysis phase, the operator may wish to performtomography (also referred to as computed tomography) in order to producethree-dimensional rendered volumes or two-dimensional tomographic slicesof a portion of the patient. In another instance, the operator may wishto perform fluoroscopy in order to acquire real-time moving images of aportion of the patient (such moving images can also be captured, in mainmemory 90 and/or secondary memory 92 for example, for replaying at alater time), the real-time moving images being useful for guidinginterventional radiographic procedures, such as the placement of stents,although this example is not limiting. In yet another instance, theoperator may wish to perform radiography to acquire a high-resolutionimage of at least a portion of the patient.

As but one non-limiting example, in response to the user selectingtomography or fluoroscopy, the control unit 30 configures the receivingdevice 22 into the first active configuration. That is, in theembodiment where the receiving device 22 includes a first detector 24, asecond detector 25, and a movement apparatus 26 (e.g., FIGS. 3 a-6 b),the control unit 30 responds to the user specifying radiography bysending a command to the movement apparatus 26 to place the radiologicalimaging device 1 in the first active configuration (FIG. 3 a, 4 a, 5 a,or 6 a) by rotating the detectors 24 and 25 or, alternatively, through amutual translational movement thereof. In the example embodiment inwhich the receiving device 22 employs a flat panel sensor 32 f, thecontrol unit 30 responds to a selection of tomography or fluoroscopy bycontrolling the flat panel sensor 32 f to operate in the first activeconfiguration, that is, in the matrix mode with sensitive surface 32 g(FIG. 7 b). If the operator selected tomography, the operator thenoperates the control unit 30 to perform the tomography procedure toacquire tomographic data, such as, for example, two-dimensionaltomographic slices or a reconstructed three-dimensional volume. If theoperator selected fluoroscopy, the operator operates the control unit 30to perform fluoroscopy to acquire a real-time moving x-ray image of aportion of the patient.

In particular, in the example embodiment in which a flat panel sensor 24b is employed as the first detector 24 and two linear sensors 25 b and25 c are employed as the second detector 25 (e.g., FIGS. 3 a-5 b), theportion of the patient to be analyzed is larger than the first surface24 a, the first detector 24 is moved, for example by the first actuator26 e (or, alternatively, by the additional linear actuator 26 d) alongthe first direction 26 f and the collimator focuses the radiation on thenew position of the first detector 24 in order to permit the analysis(i.e., acquire an image) of a new portion adjacent to the previousportion. Similarly, in the example embodiment in which the receivingdevice 22 employs the flat panel sensor 32 f (FIGS. 7 a and 7 b), andthe surface to be analyzed is larger than the sensitive surfaces 32 g or32 h, the flat panel sensor 32 f can be translated to one or moreadjacent positions by the panel motion system 35 along axis 38 in orderto permit further analysis (i.e., acquiring additional images) until theentire body portion to be analyzed has been imaged.

By way of example only, the operator may wish to select radiography tobe performed in the analysis phase, in Step S812. Accordingly, theoperator specifies radiography using the control unit 30, and inresponse, the control unit 30 configures the receiving device 22 intothe second active configuration. In particular, in the embodiment wherethe receiving device 22 includes a first detector 24, a second detector25, and a movement apparatus 26 according to any of the exampleembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 a-6 b, the control unit 30 respondsto the user specifying radiography by sending a command to the movementapparatus 26 to place the radiological imaging device 1 in the secondactive configuration (FIG. 3 b, 4 b, 5 b, or 6 b) by rotating thedetectors 24 and 25 or, alternatively, through a mutual translationalmovement thereof. In the example embodiment of the receiving device 22employing a flat panel sensor 32 f, the control unit 30 responds to aselection of radiography requiring the second active configuration bycontrolling the flat panel sensor 32 f to operate in the second activeconfiguration, that is, so that the flat panel sensor 32 f is configuredwith a one-dimensional linear sensor-like sensitive surface 32 h todetect radiation emitted by the source 21 (FIG. 7 b).

After the receiving device 22 is placed in the second activeconfiguration, the operator operates the device 1 so as to perform theradiography procedure and acquire images of at least a part of thepatient. For example, a scanning radiography procedure may be performed,as coordinated by control unit 30, by translating the gantry 20 by wayof translation mechanism 53 while causing source 21 to emit radiationand detecting the radiation at the receiving device 22 after theradiation has traversed the patient, as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/323,808, entitled “RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING DEVICEWITH ADVANCED SENSORS,” by Stoutenburgh et al., which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. Accordingly, high-resolution x-rayimages are provided by operating the radiological imaging device 1 toperform a radiography procedure.

When the analysis of Step S812 is complete, the operator may performadditional imaging procedures (e.g., radiography, tomography, orfluoroscopy) by repeating Step S812 for the desired additional imagingprocedures.

When the operator has completed all desired analyses in Step S812, theprocess ends at Step S814.

In view of the foregoing description, it can be appreciated that atleast some example embodiments described herein provide a radiologicalimaging device 1 that can be used to perform computerized tomography,fluoroscopy and radiography in a single device.

In particular, owing to the presence of the receiving device 22 havingthe first detector 24, the second detector 25, and the movementapparatus 26, or in the alternative, the receiving device 22 having theflat panel sensor 32 f capable of operating by selection in a matrixmode or a linear mode, the type of radiological imaging procedureperformed by the device 1 can be changed in a fast manner.

Furthermore, high-quality tomography, fluoroscopy and radiography can becarried out in a radiological imaging device comprising a receivingdevice 22 that employs a flat panel sensor 24 b with a sensitive surface24 a as a first detector 24 and at least linear sensor 25 b with asensitive surface(s) 25 a as a second detector 25 owing to the fact thatthe distance between source 21 and the sensitive surface 24 a in thefirst active configuration is substantially the same as the distancebetween the source 21 and the sensitive surface 25 a in the secondactive configuration by virtue of the innovative movement apparatus 26.Similarly, when the radiological imaging device 1 comprises a receivingdevice 22 that employs a flat panel sensor 32 f capable of operating inmultiple independent modes, selectable by control unit 30, including atleast a matrix mode (FIG. 7 a) and a linear sensor mode (FIG. 7 b), thedistance between the source 21 and the sensitive surface 32 g issubstantially the same as the distance between the source 21 and thesensitive surface 32 h, owing to the fact that both the first and thesecond active configurations are carried out on the same flat panelsensor 32 f.

Additionally, the radiological imaging device 1 can perform differentanalyses on the patient without having to move said patient, and, as aconsequence, risks associated with such maneuvers may be reduced orsubstantially minimized.

The device 1 can also perform radiological imaging procedures at areduced cost owing to the fact that the radiological imaging device 1 isprovided with different detectors 24 and 25.

Such a cost reduction is further enhanced by the fact that, maintainingthe distance between the sensitive surfaces 24 a and 25 a and the source21 constant permits the use of a structurally simpler source 21 which iseconomical, since it does not require the use of specific adjustmentmechanisms to regulate the emission power according to the distance.

Moreover, a further reduction in costs can be achieved by virtue of themovement apparatus 26 which, by making it possible to change the activeconfiguration of the radiological imaging device 1 quickly, permitsanalyses to be performed at a faster rate.

In addition, since it is possible to select the most suitable detector24 and 25 for each analysis, the device 1 makes it possible to limit, orsubstantially reduce or minimize, exposure to X-rays.

An innovative radiological imaging procedure also is provided by virtueof to the radiological imaging device 1. With the radiological imagingprocedure, the analysis can be performed when the patient is in theideal condition, thus limiting exposure to radiation and the costs ofthe analysis. In particular, in the case of injecting a contrast liquid,the radiological imaging procedure allows the analysis to be performedwhen the liquid is in the portion of the body to be analyzed, thusavoiding the risk of a poor quality analysis due to the absence of theliquid in the portion to be analyzed. In at least some other cases, whenthe correct position of the patient is deemed important, by being ableto check the position of the portion to be analyzed before performingthe radiological imaging procedure, the radiological imaging procedureis only performed when the patient is in the desired position.

Additionally, by virtue of the radiological imaging device, theprocedure can be carried out without moving the patient during theentire procedure.

Modifications and variations may be made to the example embodimentsdescribed herein without departing from the scope of the inventiveconcept. All the elements as described and claimed herein may bereplaced with equivalent elements and the scope of the exampleembodiments includes all other details, materials, shapes anddimensions.

In addition, it should be understood that the attached drawings, whichhighlight functionality described herein, are presented as illustrativeexamples. The architecture of the present invention is sufficientlyflexible and configurable, such that it can be utilized (and navigated)in ways other than that shown in the drawings.

Further, the purpose of the appended Abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especiallyscientists, engineers, and practitioners in the relevant art(s), who arenot familiar with patent or legal terms and/or phraseology, to determinequickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of thetechnical subject matter disclosed herein. The Abstract is not intendedto be limiting as to the scope of the present invention in any way.

What is claimed is:
 1. A radiological imaging device comprising: asource that emits radiation that passes through at least part of apatient, the radiation defining a central axis of propagation; and areceiving device that receives the radiation and is arranged on theopposite side of the patient with respect to the source, wherein thereceiving device includes a first detector to detect radiation whenperforming at least one of tomography and fluoroscopy; a second detectorto detect radiation when performing at least one of radiography andtomography; and a movement apparatus arranged to displace the first andsecond detectors with respect to the source, to provide a first activeconfiguration in which the radiation hits the first detector and asecond active configuration in which the radiation hits the seconddetector.
 2. The radiological imaging device according to claim 1,wherein the first detector comprises at least one flat panel sensor andthe second detector comprises at least one linear sensor.
 3. Theradiological imaging device according to claim 2, wherein, in the firstactive configuration, the distance between the first detector and thesource is substantially equal to the distance between the seconddetector and the source in the second active configuration.
 4. Theradiological imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the movementapparatus displaces the first and second detectors with respect to thesource by means of a rotation about an axis of rotation.
 5. Theradiological imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the axis ofrotation is substantially perpendicular to the central axis ofpropagation.
 6. The radiological imaging device according to claim 3,wherein the movement apparatus changes between the first and secondactive configuration by means of a mutual translation of the first andsecond detectors.
 7. The radiological imaging device according to claim6, wherein the movement apparatus comprises a first linear actuator tomove the first detector along a first direction of translation and asecond linear actuator to move the second detector along a seconddirection of translation.
 8. The radiological imaging device accordingto claim 7, wherein the first direction of translation is substantiallyperpendicular to the central axis of propagation and the seconddirection of translation is substantially parallel to the central axisof propagation.
 9. The radiological imaging device according to claim 3,wherein the movement apparatus changes the active configuration by meansof a translation of the first detector and a rotation of the seconddetector.
 10. The radiological imaging device according to claim 3,wherein the movement apparatus comprises a carriage on which the firstand second detectors are mounted such that the sensitive surfaces aresubstantially coplanar.
 11. The radiological imaging device according toclaim 10, wherein the movement apparatus changes between the first andsecond active configurations by means of a simultaneous translation ofthe carriage along a trajectory substantially perpendicular to thecentral axis of propagation.
 12. The radiological imaging deviceaccording to claim 3, further comprising: a gantry defining an analysiszone in which the at least part of the patient is placed; a bed suitableto support the patient and defining an axis of extension; a translationmechanism adapted to translate the source and the receiving device in adirection of movement substantially perpendicular to the central axis ofpropagation; a rotation mechanism adapted to rotate the source and thereceiving device in relation to the axis of extension; at least onepositioning laser mounted on the gantry that projects a positioningguidance marker onto the patient; a control unit adapted to configure,based on received information, at least one of an energy of theradiation and a radiation filter arranged to absorb at least a portionof the radiation before the radiation passes through the at least partof the patient; and a diaphragm suitable to shape the radiation into atleast one of a cone beam or a fan beam.
 13. A radiological imagingdevice comprising: a source that emits radiation that passes through atleast part of a patient, the radiation defining a central axis ofpropagation; and a receiving device, wherein the receiving deviceincludes at least one flat panel sensor that has a radiation sensitivesurface for receiving the radiation and is arranged on the opposite sideof the patient with respect to the source, the flat panel sensor beingselectably operable in at least a flat panel mode and a linear sensormode.
 14. The radiological imaging device of claim 13, wherein the flatpanel mode is adapted to perform at least one of fluoroscopy andtomography, and the linear sensor mode is adapted to perform at leastone of radiography and tomography.
 15. The radiological imaging deviceof claim 14 further comprising a gantry defining an analysis zone inwhich the at least part of the patient is placed; a bed suitable tosupport the patient and defining an axis of extension; a translationmechanism adapted to translate the source and the receiving device in adirection of movement substantially perpendicular to the central axis ofpropagation; a rotation mechanism adapted to rotate the source and thereceiving device in relation to the axis of extension; at least onepositioning laser mounted on the gantry that projects a positioningguidance marker onto the patient; a control unit adapted to configure,based on received information, at least one of an energy of theradiation and a radiation filter arranged to absorb at least a portionof the radiation before the radiation passes through the at least partof the patient; and a diaphragm suitable to shape the radiation into atleast one of a cone beam or a fan beam.
 16. A method of performingradiological imaging of at least part of a patient using a radiologicalimaging device, the method comprising: performing at least onepreparatory phase in which the patient is prepared for at least oneradiological imaging procedure; performing an analysis phase thatincludes performing at least one radiological imaging procedure on thepatient; and performing at least one control phase before the analysisphase, that includes checking whether the at least one preparatory phasewas performed correctly, wherein the at least one control phase and theanalysis phase are performed while keeping the patient substantiallystill with respect to the radiological imaging device.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the checking includes performing fluoroscopy.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the at least one preparatory phase includesinjecting a contrast liquid into the patient.
 19. The method of claim17, wherein the at least one preparatory phase includes positioning thepatient in a desired position for the at least one radiological imagingprocedure of the analysis phase.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein thechecking includes projecting onto the patient at least one positioningguidance marker from at least one positioning laser mounted on a gantryof the radiological imaging device, and the at least one preparatoryphase includes positioning the patient, based on the at least onepositioning guidance marker, in a desired position for the at least oneradiological imaging procedure of the analysis phase.
 21. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the at least one radiological imaging procedure isselected from the group consisting of fluoroscopy, tomography, andradiography.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least oneradiological imaging procedure is selected from the group consisting offluoroscopy, tomography, and radiography.
 23. The method of claim 20,wherein the at least one radiological imaging procedure is selected fromthe group consisting of fluoroscopy, tomography, and radiography. 24.The method of claim 16, wherein the radiological imaging deviceincludes: a source that emits radiation that passes through at leastpart of a patient, the radiation defining a central axis of propagation;a receiving device, wherein the receiving device includes at least oneflat panel sensor that has a radiation sensitive surface for receivingthe radiation and is arranged on the opposite side of the patient withrespect to the source, the flat panel sensor being selectably operablein at least a flat panel mode adapted to perform at least one offluoroscopy and tomography and a linear sensor mode adapted to performat least one of radiography and tomography.
 25. The method of claim 16,wherein the radiological imaging device includes: a source that emitsradiation that passes through at least part of a patient, the radiationdefining a central axis of propagation; a receiving device that receivesthe radiation and is arranged on the opposite side of the patient withrespect to the source; wherein the receiving device includes: at leastone flat panel sensor to detect radiation when performing at least oneof tomography and fluoroscopy, at least one linear sensor to detectradiation when performing at least one of radiography and tomography,and a movement apparatus arranged to displace the at least one flatpanel sensor and the at least one linear sensor with respect to thesource, to provide a first active configuration in which the radiationhits the at least one flat panel sensor and a second activeconfiguration in which the radiation hits the at least one linearsensor, and wherein in the first active configuration, the distancebetween the at least one flat panel sensor and the source issubstantially equal to the distance between the at least one linearsensor and the source in the second active configuration.